Five universities opened educational and training centers devoted to human rights on Tuesday as part of a national campaign.

The centers are at Renmin University of China in Beijing, Fudan University in Shanghai, Wuhan University in Hubei province, Shandong University in Jinan, and the Southwest University of Political Science and Law in Chongqing.

Li Weihong, vice-minister of education, said there was an urgent need for universities to update their human rights courses in line with the National Human Rights Action Plan of China (2012-15).